I forget where I saw this, I think it was from Joseph Nye at the Kennedy school, but I read an interesting article on how our policy of isolating "bad" nations is counter-productive.

Instead of cutting off trade and diplomatic ties to Cuba, N. Korea, Iran, etc. we should recognize these types of nations and sell them hummers and frappucinos. Nothing will piss the mullahs off more than seeing people line up for green cards.

Give them the whiskey and sexy and the democracy will come!

This strategy of engagement seems to be working for China, perhaps the most dangerous non-democracy of all, which we have gotten to adapt market reforms that are linked to US-bound exports..